Preventing water damage from water heaters

You likely can’t stop a hurricane, tornado or storm from damaging your home. But you can take steps to prevent one of the most common causes for homeowner claims: water damage from a faulty water heater.

To avoid the disruption and inconvenience associated with your water heater bursting—as well as the loss of personal possessions and keepsakes that are often stored nearby—it’s a good idea to inspect it several times a year for rust or leaks.

If your water heater is nearing eight years old, this is even more important. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years.

You should look out for:

Wet spots on the floor

Leaks from the bottom, valves or pipes

Rust on the tank

If you find these, you should call a professional to inspect your tank and see if it’s time to invest in a new one. It’s also a good idea to flush your tank annually to get rid of sediment buildup.

The average cost to replace a water heater is around $800, but you could end up paying more if the water heater leaks or bursts.